Journalist: Colin Udall (OSU)
Senator Sanders (TCC) presented Senate Bill TCC-001 today in the Senate. The bill failed to pass
in the Senate in a 9-11 vote. The bill sought to create a digital badge system to encourage more
hiking and exploration of Oklahoma nature areas. The bill, recognizing the diversity of
Oklahoma’s geography, sought to create badges for “great hikes” in the state.
Sen. Sanders answered questions in regards to his bill. For the rationale, Sen. Sanders said “The
plan for the bill was to create a state-wide hike system throughout Oklahoma for the sake of
exposing people to the different diverse areas of Oklahoma.”
Sen. Sanders said to a question of why he chose to write this bill over any other topic, he said
“Intrigue” Sen. Sanders also said that his friends encouraged him to write this bill because they
all like hiking.
When asked to summarize the objections to his bill and to give his thoughts on the opposition, he
said “The main objections were [that] I truthfully left this bill in the back of my mind.” Further,
he said “My belief is that due to the lack of confidence and knowledge on my part, I feel like they
were not confident in voting on my bill.” The bill faced opposition on issues of funding and
trademarking. Specifically, one Senator questioned whether the term “Great Hikes” would need
to be trademarked.
Sen. Sanders was also asked about his experience at Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature, since
he represents Tulsa Community College (TCC), an institution that is returning to session after
some time. Sen. Sanders said “There is definitely room for improvement.” Finally, Sen. Sanders
said “I will be graduating but TCC will absolutely try and have students come back.”
TCC-001 was the only Senate bill from TCC brought to session. It was a close vote, and the bill’s
multifaceted nature gave way to rigorous debate.